Motorcylist Killed, Driver Charged In South Austin Wreck

AUSTIN, TX — A woman has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following a weekend traffic accident that left a motorcyclist dead.

The incident occurred just before 11:15 p.m. on Sunday along the 6800 block of South Interstate 35, police said in an advisory. A preliminary investigation shows that a black, 2005 Dodge Ram traveling southbound on the highway struck an impact attenuator commonly known as a crash cushion installed on the Slaughter Lane off ramp. The impact caused the truck to ricochet into the center lane of traffic before colliding with a gray, 2013 Harley Davidson, police added.

The motorcyclist, 33-year-old Jessica Sears, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. The driver of the Dodge Ram, 39-year-old Amber Thompson was arrested before being charged with intoxication manslaughter, police added.

As detectives continue to investigate, they urge those with information regarding this case to contact them by calling (512) 974-6935. Tips also can be submitted by downloading the police mobile app, Austin PD, for free iPhone and Android.

The incident marked Austin’s 68th fatal traffic crash of 2020, police said, resulting in 73 fatalities this year. At this time in 2019, police added, there were 64 traffic fatalities.